Okonomiyaki

* German Cabbage : Spitzkohl

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1/ Prepare the cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage into thin slices.

2/ Make the batter: Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk well. Gradually add the flour and water, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth.

3/ Mix the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the batter in several batches, mixing well to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated.

4/ Prepare to cook: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil. Pour half of the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly into a pancake shape.

5/ Add the bacon: Place slices of bacon on top of the batter, cover the pan with a lid, and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes.

6/ Flip and cook the other side: Once the bottom is golden brown, carefully flip the pancake over. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat.

7/ Check for doneness: Insert a skewer or chopstick into the center; if it comes out clean, the pancake is done. Transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

8/ Cook the second pancake: Reheat the frying pan with a little more oil and cook the remaining batter following the same steps.

9/ Serve and enjoy!: Once cooked, plate the pancakes and top with Okonomiyaki sauce, Mayonnaise, Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and Aonori (seaweed flakes) just before serving. *Okonomiyaki sauce and Tonkatsu sauce

*Japanese mayonnaise and German mayonnaise

*Aonori (seaweed flakes) and Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)

Our Family’s Tips for Enjoying Okonomiyaki in Berlin!

⭐️ The batter makes all the difference! While there are many ways to make Okonomiyaki, this recipe focuses on mixing the batter thoroughly—just like when baking a cake—before folding in the cabbage. This method ensures the cabbage blends beautifully with the batter, resulting in a delightfully chewy and fluffy pancake.

⭐️ Finding the essentials. In Berlin, Asian markets carry key ingredients like Okonomiyaki flour, Tonkatsu sauce, Katsuobushi (bonito flakes), Aonori (seaweed flakes), and Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie, a popular Japanese brand known for its creamy and slightly tangy flavor). Okonomiyaki sauce is slightly sweet, but for a change of pace, I sometimes drizzle Tonkatsu sauce instead—it’s just as delicious!

⭐️ Affordable substitutions. Japanese ingredients can be pricey when shopping abroad, but with a little creativity, substitutions work just as well. For example, use locally available mayonnaise with a flavor similar to Kewpie, and swap the specialized flour with regular all-purpose flour. The results are still amazing!

⭐️ A family favorite! Okonomiyaki is a big hit in our household and disappears almost as soon as it’s made. To make it even more festive, we often serve it with yakisoba, Japanese stir-fried noodles, for a dinner that feels just like a summer festival. And of course, we pair it with a refreshing Berlin beer! 😀